Funding for natural habitats to be restored
Funding for natural habitats to be restored
A helping hand for groundbreaking Hadrian’s Wall heritage and nature project. Tony Henderson reports
A project to enhance one of the North East’s outstanding historic and natural landscapes has been given a funding boost.
Historic England has awarded £68,435 to Northumberland National Park Authority for the Hadrian's Wall: Recovering Nature project, which will restore habitats including peatland and water courses, increase wildlife, and seek to inspire people of all ages and abilities to connect with the natural and historic environment through volunteering, activities and events.
The project focuses on the historic landscape north of the central section of the Hadrian’s Wall world heritage site, including Greenlee Lough national nature reserve – the largest natural water body in Northumberland. It also includes historic sites such as stone circles and Roman remains.
Read more: Review - Wicked at Sunderland Empire
Historic England’s grant will help to fund the post of a landscape recovery engagement officer who will work with the public to deliver a programme of heritage-related events, research and activities, which explore the link between heritage and nature in the local landscape.
Thomas Gledhill from Historic England said: “England's rural landscape is a jewel of our national heritage, formed by people living on and working the land over thousands of years.
“The Hadrian's Wall: Recovering Nature project is an exciting opportunity to showcase the link between heritage and nature, and to demonstrate the value of investing in both for the benefit of future generations.”
Sarah Burn, head of engagement for Northumberland National Park, said: “Northumberland National Park Authority is delighted to be working with Historic England on our ambitious Hadrian’s Wall: Recovering Nature project. The Hadrian’s Wall area provides a wealth of opportunities for people to connect with the natural and historic landscape.
“Through The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre, Northumberland National Park Authority has created opportunities for people to connect with the landscape and with this project, we can provide people with the opportunity to put their learning into practice, taking part in practical work exploring the relationship between people and landscape in the past, to inspire more people to understand how we can manage the landscape in the future.”
Greenlee Lough, which is a mix of habitats including the open water of the lough, reed beds, carr woodland, bog and grassland, is managed jointly between Northumberland Wildlife Trust and Northumberland National Park Authority.
Read more: Awards open doors to the TV industry for North East writers
The project is the culmination of over two years of research and partnership work supported by the Reece Foundation.
The wider catchment area for the project covers almost 5,000 hectares and will see Northumberland National Park Authority working closely with farmers and landowners to restore peatlands, re-naturalise watercourses, plant trees and create habitats.